Women's Participation in Elections

Across Asia, there is a growing commitment to democratic principles of governance and citizen participation. However, in many Asian countries, women still face serious cultural, social, and legal barriers that constrain their full participation in democratic processes. The Asia Foundation works with local partners across the Asia-Pacific region to increase the number of women voting; improve the quality of women's votes; encourage that elections are free and fair and ensure that women's votes are counted; and help women to enter politics and become candidates and leaders themselves.